Andhra Pradesh gears up to face Cyclone Phailin

The Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to deal with the impact of Cyclone Phailin, which is expected to cause damage in coastal districts of the state.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has reviewed the government's preparedness to face the impact of the cyclone and directed officials to take all precautionary measures.

Reports from coastal districts said it was raining and that the sea was rough. Heavy rains have begun under the influence of the system.

However, the impact of the cyclone is expected to be felt more in Odisha.

A round-the-clock control room has already been opened in the Secretariat in Hyderabad and district collectors have been told to take all necessary measures to deal with the situation.

The striking electricity employees in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema against state bifurcation have temporarily called off their agitation in view of the cyclone threat to Coastal Andhra following talks with the Chief Minister.

The five-day strike by the electricity employees caused extensive disruption to power supply in the two regions. The power supply situation was returning to normalcy after the electricity employees ended their strike.

The process of power generation at the Vijaywada thermal power station also began with the striking employees resuming their duties, officials said.

The pro-united Andhra teachers also withdrew their strike following talks with the chief minister on Thursday.

Other government employees had also announced that they would take part in rescue and relief measures for the cyclonic storm.